Towing
 

I have a F250 6.0 4x4 (that thankfully has not given me a single problem) and am interested in towing a 31 Sonic. We tow about 3 1/2 hrs twice a month each way to the Panhandle of FL. The boat weights 7500dry? Then fuel?, and the weight of the trailer? Would I not be up around 10k? Man that seems like a heavy load to pull all the time!

Full of fuel and gear on a steel trailer is about 11,500lbs. If your trailer brakes are in good condition and the trailer is balanced it tows pretty easy. Remember, if you exceed rated capacity of your truck, your insurance probably won't cover you. That being said, I towed with 1/2 ton chevy with a 350 for a while, worked fine, but depended on trailer brakes. Now I have a dually and won't have anything else.

You shouldnt have a problem with that rig! I have an F250 2 wheel drive 7.3 liter automatic, I hook up to 31's and 35's and tow them up and down the road with no problem at all. Towing it usually isnt the problem, its stopping it!:D

John S.

That rig sounds fine to me.....if your not used to towing just leave yourself extra stopping distance and PAY ATTENTION.

You shouldn't have any problems. Just remember to down shift in the shaprer of down grades. It will give you more stability.

I pulled more with less and I'm just an old roockie. Myco trailers make it earier too.

I have a 2002 F350 7.3 diesel 3.73 rear, single rear wheels and tow a 31ss. No problems, just have trailer brakes in good working conditions. I tow HILLs all the time, no problem. A 358 would be a bit too much for my truck and hills. Would want lower rear and dual rear wheels. You'll be just fine. What is your location?

Rated capacity
 

Okay, if we are looking at 11000 lbs, what is the factory hitch on an F-250 and truck actually rated for per their specs? Also, I have a drop down hitch (truck is raised only 4 inches with 35" Toyo's). Where the heck do I find a drop down hitch that will handle 11000 lbs?

www.putnamhitch.com

The Putnam XDR is a true Class-V hitch, and is VERY stout. Do a search in the truck and trailers forum here on OSO. Lots of info. Putnam also carries stout solid drawbars in all sizes/configs.

(When you get the Putnam, swap out the bolts that come with it--Grade-5; and go to Grade-8.)

If you're worried about stopping the trailer, you can convert the trailer brakes (drum) to disc. Very simple and reasonably cheap. They stop better and stay way cooler. I used Kodiak disc brakes on my trailer.